- Meet Our Leaders
Newly appointed Board member David Kiachko is known for his warmth and passion for elevating awareness about causes that impact the Jewish community. After nearly two decades on the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) he is looking forward to also contributing his vast expertise to the JFCS Board. Having spent his childhood overseas and then working in international trade in Korea, he settled in the Bay Area and in the field of finance, specializing in options trading. David is also a member of JFCS’ Marin Major Gifts Committee and Public Issues Committee and says, “There are only a few organizations that I want to put my energy and efforts toward—JFCS is definitely one of them.”
David Kiachko with his son, Daniel, and partner, Kate Lipman
Tell us a bit about the community where you grew up and your background.
I was born in Japan and as a child, lived with my family throughout Asia and Australia. Wherever we lived we always had a small Jewish community made up of families from the U.S. military, diplomats, and civilians living abroad. The U.S. military always had a rabbi stationed where we lived and I knew no difference between reform, conservative, or orthodox—we just identified as “Jewish” and whatever the rabbi we were too!
I graduated from high school in South Korea and I moved to the United States for the first time to attend college in California. I was excited to be amongst other young Jews and I was an active participant in Hillel.
How did you first get involved with JFCS?
I’ve been in San Francisco and the Bay Area for over 25 years and had always heard about the good work of JFCS and Executive Director Dr. Anita Friedman. I eventually attended the JFCS Fammy Awards Gala and my interest grew as I learned about the many innovative programs and breadth of services that the agency provides.
When Nancy Goldberg (former Board President) asked if I might be interested in joining earlier this year I was very receptive to the idea and pleased to take a more active role in strengthening the services of JFCS! Nancy adds, “David is terrific—he speaks his mind and has his own ideas, and if he’s passionate about making a difference he puts his whole heart into it. He is a wonderful leader.”
Is there a JFCS project that you find especially inspiring?
The work JFCS does in supporting seniors is important and profound to me because of my personal experience. Both my parents went through long illnesses before they passed away, and it fell on my shoulders to organize and arrange for their care so they could stay as independent as possible at home. I know firsthand that supporting aging parents isn’t an easy or straightforward process and I’m really impressed that JFCS has made senior home care and the other services of Seniors At Home a major part of the organization’s work.
I’m also very proud that JFCS always jumps in when we have an emergency or unexpected disaster—after the North Bay fires that is exactly what JFCS did. As fire survivors rebuild their lives I’m confident that JFCS will be there every step of the way.
How did you get involved in philanthropy?
My parents always gave money to organizations that they cared about. Through them I learned that, if you want any organization to succeed, you have to be personally active and willing to help make it happen.
When my parents passed away I had an opportunity to start an endowed JFCS fund in honor of them—the Vera & Leo Kiachko Memorial Fund for Seniors. It was a lovely way to memorialize them while helping a great organization do important work.
Anything else you would like to add?
JFCS’ programs are all top-notch and resonate with me deeply whether it is work supporting the senior community, helping young parents who are struggling to find answers, or supporting survivors of domestic violence to rebuild their lives with their children.
I’m very pleased to contribute my energy and time to an organization that does so much good.